Improve basic infra for fishing in Uttara Andhra

Srikakulam: Out of 13 districts in Andhra Pradesh, 9 of them are in the coastal region. Except the four Rayalaseema districts of the State, the entire state from Itchapuram in Srikakulam to Tada in Nellore district, the State of AP owns the second largest coastal line in India spanning 974 kms. The coastal region of AP has vast potentiality for fish varieties like finfishes (84.5 per cent) and crustaceans (14.5 per cent). 

AP registered a Gross Value Addition (GVA) of 11.72 per cent to its economy in the first quarter of 2017–18 fiscal in which, fisheries sector alone contributed 42.09 per cent.The national GVA average for this period was only 5.6 per cent. AP is known for aquaculture and prawn culture alone recorded 66.86 per cent growth while marine fishing grew at 4.18 per cent.

While the agriculture and its allied sectors registered 26.21 per cent growth, industries sector declined from 10.49 per cent in Q1 of 2016–17 to 8.05 per cent and the service sector grew only by 8.67 per cent during this period. Fisheries alone could contribute a GVA of 42.09 per cent to State’s economy, contributing to overall growth of primary sector as per the government records. 

Krishna, East Godavari and Nellore are top contributors in this sector. It is unfortunate to note that the three Northern Coastal Uttara Andhra districts alone share 355 kms of coastal line. Although the growth appears very consistent, in real terms the growth in three Uttara Andhra districts is nominal for varieties of reasons.

The fishermen that hail from these districts are on constant move in search of opportunities, despite having plenty of fresh and salt water fisheries. The global fact books are showing India as the second largest producer of agricultural products, including fisheries and livestock, contributing 15 per cent, it is necessary to analyse why only a section of the Indian states or districts can provide employment and feed its people, while majority are reeling in hunger, poverty and unemployment. 

The living standards of fishermen and fishing communities of Uttara Andhra is evident when the national and regional media reported the detention of 28 fishermen of Srikakulam in Pakistan for crossing the International marine waters of that country.  Although the act was not deliberate, the consequences are quite severe.

Not finding enough fishing opportunities due to poor infrastructure in their region, fishermen of these districts in general and fishermen of Srikakulam in particular, are migrating to other parts of India, including Gujarat. Skilled migrated 30,000 Uttara Andhra fisherman are real backbone to Gujarat Rs 14,000 crore fishing industry.

As per my observation Uttara Andhra fisherman are highly skilled because they need it for their survival as there is no other option for their livelyhood. Migrated fisherman are employed on a contract basis for a period of one-year by paying certain fixed salaries, which may vary from Rs 7,000-12,000 a month. The sum will be paid in advance to their families and the men are forced to serve as bonded labor.

They should venture into sea irrespective of seasonal variation for fishing and are forced to live in mechanised fishing boats for an extended period, known for poor hygiene and absolute lack of facilities. Apart from bearing the atmospheric risks of marine water, these men are subjected to hardship like hunger, sleeplessness, and deprived of basic minimum facilities for a long time. Unable to clean their bodies and eat nutritious food, they are falling prey to skin diseases and psychological distress. 

Factors like extreme poverty, low rate of literacy and skills to pursue other jobs, no access to credit from organised financial institutions, lack of basic facilities like jetties, cold storage plants and fair mechanism to distribute their catch, fishermen of Uttara Andhra are subjected to physical and financial exploitation. Jetties in proposal at Budagatlapalem, Bhavanapadu, Rallapeta of Srikakulam district are pending for a long time.

Unable to spend on nets, mechanised boats they are venturing as fishermen on contract basis in other states. Apart from poor wages that is not enough to meet their family needs, these fishermen lack benefits like insurance in the eve of mishaps, medical facilities, pension, and welfare measures.

The national budget allocation to ‘Blue Revolution (fisheries) was a mere Rs 401 crore in 2017-18  as against  Rs 13,741 crore for Green Revolution (Farming) and Rs 1,634 crore for white revolution (Dairy). Marine sector could create vast employment opportunities in fish processing, packing, export, import, cleaning and processing.

Given the exclusive verities of fishes like  sardines, mackerel, ribbonfish, carangids (5.7 per cent), seerfish (3.6 per cent) and anchovies the major pelagic landed along the Andhra coast contribute greatly to the state and national economy. The tuna fishes of Visakhapatnam coast, particularly the yellowfin tuna possesses great commercial value. If the basic infrastructure for fishing is improved, this sector can stall the migration by generating at least 1,00,000 new jobs in this sector and can contribute additional Rs 10,000 crore yearly revenue to AP. 

(Dr Srinubabu Gedela has completed Ph D from Andhra University and Post-doctorate from Stanford University. The research work is part of Pulsus Group CSR activity)